Sports

IIE DIGITAL DESK : Dr. Vece Paes, a distinguished Indian field hockey player who earned a bronze medal at the 1972 Munich Olympics, passed away on Thursday morning in Kolkata at the age of 80. He had been battling advanced-stage Parkinson's disease and was admitted to a city hospital earlier in the week. His death marks the end of a remarkable chapter in Indian sports history, blending elite athletic performance with pioneering contributions to athlete health and sports administration. 

Born in Goa in April 1945, Dr. Paes was a key member of the Indian men's hockey team that secured the bronze medal at the 1972 Munich Olympic Games. A gifted midfielder, he was known for his agility, game sense, and tireless work ethic. His Olympic success placed him among the country's hockey elite during a time when India was transitioning from its golden era of dominance in the sport. 

Beyond his achievements on the field, Dr. Paes made significant contributions to Indian sports through his work in sports medicine and administration. After pursuing medical studies in Kolkata, he became one of India's foremost figures in sports medicine. His dual expertise in sports and healthcare uniquely positioned him to understand the physical and mental challenges athletes face, and he became a trusted medical advisor across various sports disciplines.

Dr. Paes served as a medical consultant for several prominent sports organizations, including the Asian Cricket Council, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), and the Indian Davis Cup tennis team. His work often focused on anti-doping education, where he was a respected voice in shaping policies and raising awareness on clean sport practices.

His contributions helped lay the foundation for modern sports medicine in India, setting new standards in athlete care, injury prevention, and ethical conduct in competition. His commitment to the well-being of sportspeople earned him widespread respect among athletes, coaches, and administrators alike.

Dr. Paes's legacy is further enriched by his role as the father of tennis legend Leander Paes. Together, they represent a rare and significant achievement in Indian sports history: a father-son duo who have both represented India at the Olympic Games and earned international acclaim in different sports disciplines. 

In his later years, Dr. Paes continued to influence Indian sports through his insights and guidance, particularly in the realms of athlete development and sports ethics. His passing is a profound loss to the Indian sporting community, and tributes have poured in from across the country, honoring his multifaceted contributions to sports and society.

The funeral arrangements are pending, as the family awaits the arrival of his daughters, who are settled abroad. The sports community mourns the loss of a pioneer whose impact transcended generations and disciplines.